Table for One

Maria liked to eat alone. Every Friday evening, she went to the same café near her office.

It was small, with simple chairs and small tables. She always sat by the window so she could see the people walk by.

She liked to read her book and drink her coffee in peace. It was her quiet time after work when she didn’t need to talk to anyone.

The waiters all knew her. “Table for one?” they always asked when she walked in the door.

One Friday evening, the café was very busy. There were people at every table. They were talking and enjoying their food. Maria sat at her table by the window and tried to read. It was hard because there was so much noise.

Then the door opened. A man came into the café. He looked around for a table, but they were all occupied. The only place available was at Maria’s table.

The waiter said to the man, “You can sit here, with Maria.”

Maria closed her book.
“No,” she said. “This is my table.”
She did not want a stranger near her.

The man looked at her. He had kind eyes and a nice smile.
“It is only for tonight,” he said.

Maria looked away.
“I always sit alone,” she said.

The café was very full, and the man was still standing. He looked very tired.

Maria looked at him again and started to feel bad. She put down her book and moved her bag off the chair.
“Fine. You can sit here,” she said.

The man smiled.
“Thank you. My name is Daniel.”
“I’m Maria,” she said.

The waiter gave them menus, and they ordered cake and coffee. For a few minutes, they were quiet. Maria looked out of the window, but she saw Daniel in the glass. He was smiling.

Daniel spoke.
“Do you come here often?”
“Yes. Every Friday”, Maria said.
“I usually eat at home,” Daniel said. “But tonight, I wanted something new.”

Maria did not answer. Then Daniel spoke about books. Maria was suddenly interested. She loved to read.
“What books do you like?” she asked.
Daniel told her while Maria listened and smiled. They began to talk more.

Time passed quickly, and the cake tasted better than usual. Maria forgot about her book and talked to Daniel.

When they finished eating, Daniel stood up.
“Thank you, Maria,” he said. “I enjoyed talking to you.”

Maria felt warm inside.
“Yes,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to you too.”

Daniel looked at her.
“Maybe next Friday you could ask for a table for two?”

Maria looked at him.
She smiled.
“Yes,” she said. “I’ll do that. I’ll ask for a table for two.”

📒 Key vocabulary

• waiters – people who serve you in restaurants and cafes
• busy – active, with many people in it
• occupied – in use
• available – free to sit at
• stranger – a person you don’t know
• kind – good and friendly
• alone – without other people
• tired – when you need rest or sleep

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